Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. Deputy O'Connor is not partaking. I am sharing time with Deputies Griffin and Cahill.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate and highlight the exceptional work undertaken by the Government and the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, to revitalise rural Ireland and create thriving regional and rural communities. Certainly, it is the ambition and our collective effort is geared towards ensuring that more people than ever are living, working and raising families outside urban centres. We have made significant strides in this area.

One of the key milestones in this transition has been the success of the remote working initiatives and a campaign, which I championed, to bring our people back home to each of our counties. Through my involvement within the GAA, I encountered the imbalance created by people leaving their native communities to find employment in a number of ways. For clubs, it was hard to keep players involved. Many of those who had left formed a longing to come back. Of course, it was tough for families to watch their loved ones leave. We need to recognise the immense potential and the ambition that the Government has demonstrated in remote working. It has championed a movement for many people and individuals to reside in their rural areas pursuing a career that they are passionate about. This decision has certainly transformed the way we view rural Ireland turning it into a more attractive option for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. The ability for many to work remotely has not only provided opportunities for our talented youth to stay connected to their roots but has also revitalised rural economies and created some thriving regional communities there.

Second to this is the decision by Fine Gael, and our commitment, to sign the national broadband plan. We recognised the critical need for connectivity in rural communities and we took action to address this. By bridging the digital divide, we have empowered rural communities to connect with markets across the world. That certainly has enabled businesses and entrepreneurship and ensures rural residents have access to opportunities and services that they have never had access to previously. They can now enjoy that like their urban counterparts.

I must also address a misguided assessment by some of the Sinn Féin opposition on how Government has failed to deliver on key infrastructure projects in the west. Let me present some of the facts. The Taoiseach himself is opening the largest infrastructure project in Mayo tomorrow, namely a €300 million investment in a road network between Castlebar and Westport. We have the €240 million Ballaghdereen to Scramogue road project, which is undergoing another tender process due to the collapse of Roadbridge. That certainly demonstrates our commitment to resolving obstacles in terms of infrastructure deficits in the west. We are also investing €145 million in the national broadband plan in Mayo connecting more than 35,000 homes and businesses and ensuring rural areas have access to essential digital services. Under the Department of Rural and Community Development, which was set up over six years ago, more than €102 million in funding has been delivered into County Mayo. This includes €31 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund; and €6.5 million from the town and village renewal fund.

Certainly, things are working like they have never worked before. The investment into rural areas, such as my own in the west, has never been seen before. Certainly, we have one of the jewels in the west and north-west region and that is Ireland West Airport Knock. Through the Government's regional airport programme, this vital transportation hub continues to thrive. We are very optimistic this year that it will reach 1 million passengers. That would be an enormous achievement for an airport of its size.

The revitalisation of rural Ireland and the implementation of Our Rural Future policy framework is testament to the dedication, vision and hard work of our Ministers within the Department and our Government Coalition partners. Through the initiatives, such as remote working, investment in infrastructure such as the national broadband plan and fostering entrepreneurship, we have set rural Ireland on a path to success and prosperity. We now need to redouble our efforts and our commitment to build vibrant regional and rural communities for generations to come. No doubt budget 2024 will again deliver for the people in rural Ireland.

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